What have you done today

[The Doctor 46]

Thank you again Rixington43, I'm going to order them now and if just a clean and re grease is all that is required then I'll keep them until they are needed. Nothing lasts forever. 

[Rixington43]

No worries Doc, happy hunting.
If you don't have one already then I'd recommend adding this to your garage.
Makes the job much easier;
https://gbmotorcycleproducts.com/Suzuki-DL1000-v-strom-2002-2014-steering-stem-nut-socket/

[Rixington43]

For reference, this was the state of mine at 31k.
Top was as smooth as a babies bottom, bottom on the other hand was considerably rougher than the bench of a careless welder 🤣.
I reckon it took half a day to do the switch out  from start to finish having never done the job before. Our ratio is about 2 brews per hour as well 😜.

[porter]

On my 2014 model I'm still in the original head bearings at 46k miles. I clean and grease every few years.
 Also in my opinion there's no need to replace the rocker cover gaskets and washers at 15k, I've had mine off twice now and till on the original 's and will go one more time before replacement.
  I've taken to replacing the centre cylinder spark plugs every valve check as there a pig to get to do while I'm in there I might as well but the side plugs I replace every other check as if the bikes runs funny I can change them in minutes.
 I think you should looking for another mechanic Doc!

[Barbel Mick]

Doc if it's not too late & you've already ordered them then I've had this information on record for a while now. 

Steering head (DL650 & DL1000 all years):

Size: 30x55x17mm - 2 needed
Suzuki #: 09267-30010
Common #: None

Seal #: 51644-12C00 - 2 needed

The OEM steering ball bearings may be replaced by tapered roller bearings no. 32006 (2 pcs.), if you wish to go this way.


You will pay a bit more than Rixingtons suggestion if you go with a 'named' make like KOYO, SKF or Timken but they will last. 

[2112]

My new internal sun visor arrived for my HJC 90s helmet. It took longer to unpack than it did to fit! An absolute doddle to remove & install, simply pull it out of the retaining clip at each end then click it back in place - simples 

[2112]

As it was such a nice day (for early April and Northumberland) the Mrs decided we needed to go to Alnwick Gardens (https://www.alnwickgarden.com/). It's been a while since we've been so it was a great idea. We had a nice potter around the gardens and they have changed a lot since our last visit. Loads of new water features, extra paths and it's just a nice, relaxing place to visit at any time of the year. The added bonus this time was we saw Lady Jane Percy, the Duchess of Northumberland who was the driving force behind the gardens redevelopment. It was nice to see her taking an active role and still keeping an eye on things.

[Upt North]

Alnwick Gardens, Got to love it.
As for er ladyship, she was probably after a piece of rough. She could have saved some time and just visited me!
 
Don't know if you are aware fella but there is a new cafe worth checking out at Bamburgh, "The Walled Garden". It's at the top of the grass triangle on the right near to the "Grace Darling Museum".
Upt.

[2112]

I've not been yet, but I have heard of it as the Sister-in-law stayed up in Bamburgh a couple of weeks ago. That's another cafe to go into the memory banks